Hare & Grace Eatery and Mini bar is situated in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD Collins Street. Keeping the soul of the old bluestone butter factory but with a unique internal design by Joost Bakker and an open air terrace surrounded by a herb and vegetable garden.

Innovative interior designer, Joost Bakker, has installed smoke bush to hang from the ceilings with wall sketches by Barry Drinan around the rooms.

“Venue owner Raymond Capaldi is a man who I regard as one of Australia’s most original and inspirational chefs,” said Joost Bakker.

“I was fortunate (through our mutual friend Shannon Bennett) to have him work at the original Greenhouse at Federation Square a couple of years ago. We became friends and we were always looking to collaborate on a project together.”

When Raymond first showed Joost the site he was immediately drawn to the history that is visible.

”The idea to suspend trees came instantly and I think it lowers the ceiling and makes the place more intimate, yet still allows people to see the incredible detail and history present. The trees are Cottinus or more commonly known as smokebush. I harvested them from our farm in Monbulk and love the shape and colour of limbs, they remind me of hands or fingers reaching down.”

As always Joost wanted to work with recycled materials and Raymond fully supported using these materials. The bar and tables are clad with recycled packing crates salvaged from Pilkington Glass. The stools are timber found in a recycling yard in Dandenong and were being wood chipped when Joost discovered them.

“I’m very proud of the result and think Raymonds style of food compliments the interior.”